AZ HB2442

Establishes a process for designating "temporary non-expansion areas" in groundwater basins or subbasins outside active management areas, initiated by petition signed by at least 50% of irrigation users and 10% of registered voters in the area.

Requires county recorders to verify petition signatures and the director to hold a public meeting describing the proposed area's boundaries and effects within 60 days of first publication notice.

Conducts an election limited to registered voters residing within the proposed temporary non-expansion area; if approved by majority vote, the area is officially established.

For five years after establishment, restricts irrigation to only acres irrigated during the five years before designation was initiated and prohibits new drilling of wells except for deepening existing wells, replacement wells, recovery wells, or exempt wells with prior notice of intention to drill.

After the five-year period expires, restrictions are lifted and the Department of Water Resources must report groundwater status changes to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and Secretary of State.